Andreea Anca, IFRC
Türk Kizilayi - also known as the Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRCS) - sent hundreds of blood units to hospitals across Ankara just minutes after a powerful explosion injured dozens of people.
The latest explosion in the capital city of Turkey took place on 17 February at 18:31 local time (16:31 GMT), injuring approximately 60 people and killing 30 others.
TRCS delivered 461 blood units to the hospitals treating the wounded with an additional 2,500 units ready to be delivered upon request. Additional TRCS blood stocks from across the country are available for further distribution to hospitals in the city, as needed.
In addition, the TRCS deployed disaster response, communication and catering assistance in front of the Keçiören Forensic Medicine Institute where distressed relatives were waiting for news of their dear ones treated inside. Red Crescent volunteers served hot soup and tea, providing an additional 252 emergency food kits and 35 blankets to those waiting in front of the building.
The Disaster Management Department of the TRCS monitors the situation as it develops, tailoring the National Society response according to the occurring needs.